Key Metric · Recommendation Intelligence Layer

Recommendation Position™

Where in an AI response a brand appears: first recommendation, supporting mention, comparison mention, or weak citation.

Category Key MetricMeasures Endorsement strengthRelated Recommendation Confidence

AI answered.
Where are you?

Buyer
"Best coffee beans for espresso"
Top Recommendation
Blue Bottle Coffee
The best overall choice for espresso at home.
Supporting Mention
Stumptown
Another excellent option worth trying.
Comparison Mention
Counter Culture
Also worth considering for espresso blends.
Weak Citation
Lavazza
...also mentioned.

Same answer.
Four completely different outcomes.

Position = Revenue

Four baskets. Four very different totals.

Same visibility layer, four outcomes. No percentages needed, just the size of the basket.

First Recommendation
$120k
Supporting Mention
$55k
Comparison Mention
$18k
Weak Citation
$3k
AI Recommendation Anatomy

One answer. Three different roles.

I recommend Patagonia for its durability and repairability. Arc'teryx is a strong option if budget allows for premium build quality. REI Co-op is another option worth comparing on price.
Primary Recommendation
Supporting Recommendation
Comparison Mention
Simulated Eye Tracking

Buyers do not read the answer equally.

Blue Bottle Coffee, the best overall choice...
95%
Stumptown, another excellent option...
45%
Counter Culture, also worth considering...
18%
Lavazza, ...also mentioned.
4%

Buyers don't read equally.
Neither should you measure equally.

Position Ladder

Every rung converts differently.

Top Recommendation
Supporting Mention
Comparison Mention
Weak Citation

Revenue by rung, same scale as the answer above.

Same Share. Different Position.

Identical visibility. Opposite revenue.

Brand A
Recommendation Share
60%
Mostly Top Recommendation
Brand B
Recommendation Share
60%
Mostly Weak Citation
Brand A
Brand B
AI Confidence Creates Position

Position is not luck. It is a downstream effect.

AI Confidence 30
Weak Citation
AI Confidence 60
Supporting Mention
AI Confidence 95
Top Recommendation
Position Isn't Fixed

It moves with your signals.

Monday
Supporting Mention
After fixing Reviews
Top Recommendation
After a price mismatch
Comparison Mention
Recommendation Stack

Four sizes. The brain remembers.

Top Pick
Alternative
Comparison
Mention
Position vs Share

Two questions. One answer each.

Recommendation Share
How often AI mentions you.
Frequency
Recommendation Position
How strongly AI places you.
Priority

Share is frequency. Position is priority.

Visibility gets you into the answer.

"Position" decides whether buyers choose you.

Used In
Framework Research Store Reports Audit
FAQ

Questions about Recommendation Position

Is position the same as Recommendation Share?
No. Share is how often you appear. Position is how strongly you are endorsed when you do. You can have high share and a weak position, which converts poorly.
Can I control my position directly?
Not directly, but you raise it by strengthening the trust and confidence signals AI uses to decide who to put first.
Where do I start?
A free AI Commerce Score shows your trust and confidence signals, which are what lift you up the ladder.

See what decides your position.

Get a free AI Commerce Score.

Find the signals that move you up the ladder.

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Related terms
Recommendation ShareHow often you win a prompt set Recommendation ConfidenceHow strongly AI backs you Recommendation DensityHow widely you spread across intents Recommendation RoutingWhich buyers reach you AI Trust LayerThe signal base position is built on